Harkon72

Bushido Man, I agree, Bruce Lee was a legend and like all legends not all of it is true. A mythical figure will be shrouded in mystery and fiction. I wonder how well known he would have been if he were born twenty years later.

MMA has done a lot for the popularity of MA, but I find that the hard work involved in making a fighter can be found when they are grounded in tradition. Muay Thai - BJJ style fighters are a good example of this.

I consider myself to be a Traditional Karateka, I practice the three K's barefoot, I use a Nuchaku that has a traditional pattern. But our Style is young, it is based on science and psychology, physiology and modern sport technology. We wear the best Kumite protection gear, our Kata are recorded and scrutinized for form and focus. Our Kihon is developed using physical and energetic science to make it more efficient and powerful. But above all the Tradition we endure to preserve is that of Budo, an old way of thinking and spiritual growth; it's all about attitude and the way of the modern Warrior. Honorable lives take a lot of work, ethics and values develop not just from your teacher but from your own way to inner peace. If this is traditional in a modern world then no, the Traditional Martial Art way will never die.

A Very good course, the self defense was very painful for Uke though, a few techniques brought a tear to the eye. Above all it was taught and received in the right spirit and I got to meet more Dan grades of our Association. A very good day.

I'm Really Exited I'm going on a course with my new club for the first time tomorrow! It's a Nunchaku and Kubotan Training Course. We got the Nunchaku out in our class tonight, bit of fun but the serious stuff with this association's weapons instructors is tomorrow for two hours. Can't wait!

Hello and Welcome, Osu!

You should never wash a Japanese style belt in any case; if it shrinks unevenly, it will go out of shape and look awful.

I bought some white oak, octagonal 12" cord Nuchaku from Nine Circles here in the UK. These are the best I've ever had. They look amazing and traditional, they are light and very fast. They taper and you are supplied with enough cord to have a choice of length of connection. At £8 they are amazing value. This is the brand and model I would recommend.

I say never. Leg stretchers can be dangerous if used incorrectly, they can cause permanent damage. Ask someone to be your partner for floor stretching and wall stretching, it's much healthier.

Hello and Welcome!

Kusotare, I totally agree; Tai Chi practitioners are great martial artists, Okinawan Karateka can be the best Kata artists and even self defense based arts like Aikido pride themseves in inner peace and if they never have a fight in their lives they consider themselves to achieved the ultimate goal.

Incline walking 15min. Biking 15min. Seated Row 4x12 reps Upright Press 4x12 reps Squat 4x12 reps Skiing 10min Biking 10min

Don't be sad, Pinan Nidan is one of my best Kata. Done well it can rival any more advanced Kata in competition. It looks simple, it's all about the timing and rhythm, good luck next time.

I don't agree with the backward motion initiating each movement either, it may be a style thing but we are taught to move forward, always forward even when blocking.

Thank You!

Sensei O'Neill is one of the best Western Karateka EVER!

In the cut and thrust of our martial art community there are rivals, friends, enemies and blood brothers. My Sensei was honest and open, taught with no omissions, looked me straight in the eye and proved he could be trusted in guiding my warrior path. I am loyal to my sensei, but I am not below him in any way. He's like my brother.

Hello, I rejoined a Karate class after a break too. My style is Shukokai now but I took Shotokan for a few years about 10 years ago. Welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy it here.

What grade is Ikkyu? Is it a Kyu grade, if so which one? I'm a little clueless about the term, please forgive me.

One of my horses finished the race, it was 3rd last year but only finished 13th this time round. The winner was a 66/1 outsider, with not many people betting on it, so the bookmakers were very pleased this year. This is the only race I bet on, I make my selection 3 days before and take the odds offered on that day. They can go up or down depending on the popularity of the horse; if many people back a horse then the odds shorten as bookmakers will make a loss if it wins. A good tip is to back a fancied horse and also maybe an outsider just for fun, the odds will be greater and with this race they are all champions before the race anyway so every one has a chance. Good Luck

I agree with your Bottomline, if anyone threatens you physically or psychologically they are asking to be responded to accordingly, male or female.

A makiwara needs to be spring like. So I think Yew would be the best as it doesn't warp.

Yes, that looks fine. You can also get a three section one. As long as the zips are strong and the canvas is even you can't go wrong. Good Luck.

What Language is used to communicate in your Class? Do you follow the language of the country of origin of your Art? Is Karate taught in Japanese? Tae Kwon Do only in Korean? Wing Chun in Cantonese? Caporea in Creole? Ed Parker had Kenpo taught in the language of the students. I'm sure that a lot of sport Martial Arts are taught in the students Native Tongue also. In our class, lower grades are taught in Welsh, then the commands change to Japanese as the students become more experienced. I know of a Karate school where the tradition is very Japanese. How does your Martial Art sound?

Another piece of equipment you might consider is the Wing Chun wall bag. It is a canvas bag filled with sand or another material with a little give. Mine is filled with black eyed peas and rice. It conditions your knuckles and if you use the correct technique it can correct the body alignment and focus of your strike.